Poll surveys have long played a big role in shaping public opinion and guiding election campaigns, both in the Philippines and other countries. These surveys, often used by candidates, political advisors, and the media, provide a quick view of voter preferences. But the question is—how reliable are these surveys in accurately reflecting voter behavior, and how much do they actually influence voters?
Tag: INSITES by JOJI CODILLA
AFP AND PNP’S SUCCESSFUL OPERATION IN TAGUM CITY
The successful operation in Tagum City on January 31, 2025, is a powerful example of the excellent coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). This joint effort, which involved several AFP and PNP units, demonstrated how their combined strength can effectively maintain peace and security, especially with the upcoming elections in mind.
RENEWAL OF IBC-13 FRANCHISE
The Senate will soon finally approve House Bill No. 6505, which seeks to extend the franchise of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) for an additional 25 years. This renewal not only strengthens the network’s operational foundation but also sets the stage for its eventual privatization. IBC-13, once owned by Roberto S. Benedicto and later sequestered by the Corazon Aquino administration, has long struggled with financial instability and mismanagement. With the franchise renewal on the horizon, however, the network is poised for modernization and a significant increase in market value.
SENATE APPROVES FIXED TERM FOR COAST GUARD COMMANDANT
The Senate has approved House Bill No. 10841 on Third Reading, which aims to fix the term of office for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant. This measure seeks to enhance the leadership stability of the agency, aligning with the country’s need to address growing maritime security challenges amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
PIMENTEL VS TEODORO
The rivalry between Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has heated up as the 2025 congressional race for Marikina’s First District nears. This contest, once shaped by political alliances, now sees both men vying for control of the district in a head-to-head competition.
JOURNALISTS’ ROLE IN UPHOLDING PUBLIC TRUST
With midterm elections fast approaching, Professor Rachel E. Khan’s talk, “Information as a Tool for Citizens’ Trust and Participation in the Policy Process,” delivered in late 2024 at the Senate of the Philippines under the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Capacity Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program, provides valuable insights that are especially important for me as a journalist for Diyaryo Pinoy and other publications. Since I started writing opinion columns in 2011, I’ve seen how news distribution has changed—from the time when traditional print media was dominant to the growing power of social media. Even with these changes, the publications I write for have continued to print physical copies while also embracing digital platforms to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing media world.
The Rise and Fall of Guerrilla Front Sendong
The history of Guerrilla Front Sendong (GF Sendong), operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental, is marked by both brutality and persistence. For decades, this group, named after its late leader Joel Cecilio O. Jose (alias Sendong), instilled fear through a series of atrocities that disrupted communities, crippled development, and left an indelible scar on the region. However, after years of targeted operations, the combined forces of the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade (102Bde) and other government units ultimately dismantled this Communist Terrorist Group, signaling a triumphant return of peace and stability.
ESTRADA CALLS OUT STREAMING PLATFORMS FOR VULGAR CONTENT
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada recently gave a speech on a serious issue affecting many Filipinos today— the rise of vulgar and pornographic content […]
102ND INFANTRY BRIGADE RECEIVES AWARD FROM NTF-ELCAC
From the rugged mountains of Basilan to the heart of the Marawi Siege, Brigadier General Elmer B. Suderio’s leadership has been instrumental in the battle against insurgency and terrorism.
GUSTO NI MANONG JOHNNY HAPPY KA
On November 26, 2024, the Senate of the Philippines paid tribute to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, honoring his immense contributions to the nation and his enduring presence in public service.
SOUTH KOREA’S AI LEADERSHIP
During a recent international learning program in South Korea, a delegation of officials from the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, including myself, attended a […]
PMA ALUMNI CONTENDERS IN 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Many individuals have confidence in former military officers as public officials due to their strong leadership skills and extensive experience. They have worked not only in the military but also with civilians and other government agencies. Many of them have also earned master’s or doctorate degrees, which helps them handle both military and civilian issues.
SENATOR PADILLA’S URGENT PLEA FOR REPATRIATION OF OFWS FROM LEBANON
On August 7, 2024, Senator Robinhood Padilla made an urgent appeal for the swift repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Lebanon during a privilege speech in the Senate. His call followed the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
The Legacy of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide
On October 12, 2024, the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) will celebrate its 46th anniversary. Starting as a small Bible study group with just 15 students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in the 1970s, JILCW has grown into a global church that has touched millions of lives, both in the Philippines and around the world.
A Candid Conversation with Angge and Duds Yulo
Spending time with Angelica “Angge” Yulo and Mark “Duds” Yulo, parents of Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, gave me new insights into the challenges the family currently faces.
GCash’s Fast Global Money Transfer
In May 2024, GCash, in collaboration with the Senate of the Philippines, conducted a cybersecurity workshop for Senate employees.
HILTON VERSUS MARRIOTT HOTELS
My family recently had the pleasure of staying at two of the world’s topmost hotels, the renowned Hilton and Marriott Hotels, for a total of four days, courtesy of my dear family friend, Zenaida Gutierrez.
SENATORS PAY TRIBUTE TO FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT ZUBIRI
In a recent display of camaraderie, senators came together to acknowledge the impactful leadership of former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park Expansion
Senator Cynthia Villar is pushing for an expansion of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), a move discussed among eleven bills in a recent Senate session. These bills focus on designating ten areas as protected zones and expanding one area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS).
MARTIN NIEVERA ON THE PLIGHT OF FILIPINO WORKERS
In the Philippines, the name “Martin” is synonymous with Martin Nievera. The Philippines’ Concert King is a household name. But beyond his fame, Martin embodies […]
Philippine Navy Reservists Training in the Philippine Senate
Senator Robinhood Padilla has spearheaded the Basic Citizen Military Course Class 10-2024 within the Philippine Senate. This initiative, undertaken voluntarily by Senate officials and employees, […]
INSPIRATIONS IN EDUCATION: THE KINDRED SPIRITS OF PCU’S FACULTY
In the heart of Manila, amid its bustling streets, lies the Philippine Christian University (PCU), a beacon of learning and enlightenment. Within its hallowed halls, […]
Caritas Philippines Backs Masungi Georeserve Against MOA Cancellation
Caritas Philippines, the development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has voiced its unwavering support for the Masungi Geopark […]
Revolutionizing Infrastructure Development: The MIND Act
The Philippines grapples with a longstanding infrastructure deficit, a reality that never fails to astonish—and sadden—me when I compare it to the infrastructure of foreign […]
RECOGNIZING SECRETARY LORENZANA’S LIFETIME OF SERVICE
In a recent session of the Philippine Senate, the senators adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 10, honoring former Defense Secretary and current Bases Conversion and […]
Senator Tulfo Urges Comprehensive Insurance for Government Vehicles
During a recent privilege speech in the Senate, Senator Tulfo talked about a significant issue involving a considerable number of government vehicles lacking proper insurance […]
Celebrating the Triumph of ‘Rewind’
In the recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023, the Philippines witnessed a cinematic spectacle that not only entertained but also shattered records. Proposed Senate […]
VAPENDEMIC
In recent years, the Philippines has experienced a disturbing surge in the use of vape and other tobacco-related products among the youth, giving rise to […]
China’s Progress in the Lens of a Traveler
Setting aside the contentious West Philippine Sea issue, it is impossible to deny the immense influence that China has acquired on a global scale. As […]
LAMENTING THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF PUBLIC RESTROOMS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Beyond the stark deficiency of a contemporary and effective transportation system in the Philippines, placing us years behind our ASEAN counterparts, I find myself disheartened […]
